She Strengthens

The Power of No: Breaking Free from the Cycle of Overcommitment

As a child, I was notorious for my stubbornness and love of saying “no.” But as I grew older, that trait somehow got lost in the shuffle. I became the girl with a jam-packed schedule, always taking on more than I could handle. My “lazy weekends” were filled with chores, errands, and extra work. I convinced myself that I was better at being busy, but in reality, I was just afraid to say “no.”

The Fear of Missing Out

I’m not alone in this struggle. My friend recently found herself on the brink of burnout, juggling two almost full-time jobs and a full-time business course load. She was overwhelmed and exhausted, wondering how she had let things get so out of control. I advised her to cut back and learn to say “no,” but it’s easier said than done. We’re afraid to miss out on opportunities, afraid that someone else will take our place, and afraid of what others will think if we don’t take on every task that comes our way.

Unrealistic Expectations

For me, the problem stems from setting unrealistic expectations for myself. I also suffer from a bad case of FOMO. I convince myself that I can do everything, which is simply not realistic. On top of that, there’s the fear of letting others down, of not being able to help someone else accomplish their goals. But in the end, taking on too much only leads to burnout and disappointment.

The Art of Saying No

Saying “no” is hard, especially when it means disappointing others. But it’s essential to learn to say “no” without apology or explanation. It’s not about being selfish or lazy; it’s about being honest with ourselves and others about what we can realistically handle. When we learn to say “no,” we open ourselves up to new opportunities and experiences that truly align with our values and goals.

Breaking Free from the Cycle

It’s not easy to break the cycle of overcommitment, but it’s necessary. We need to recognize that saying “no” doesn’t make us any less successful or valuable. In fact, it’s quite the opposite. When we learn to say “no,” we gain control over our lives, our time, and our energy. We’re able to focus on what truly matters, rather than spreading ourselves too thin.

Embracing Imperfection

I’ve come to realize that I can’t do it all, and that’s okay. I’m slowly learning to say “no” without guilt or shame. It’s not about being perfect; it’s about being honest with myself and others. When I say “no,” I’m not failing; I’m taking control of my life and my priorities. And that’s a powerful thing.